Behavioral Health Initiative and Strategy
Welcome to the Behavioral Health Initiative and Strategy page! Here, you’ll find a curated collection of both internal and external resources focused on advancing behavioral health awareness, support, and advocacy. This section aims to empower our community with relevant information, tools, and updates to foster mental health and well-being for all. Explore our resources to learn more about our initiatives and access valuable support networks.
Local Behavioral Health Collaborative (LC2)
The Local Behavioral Health Collaborative (LC2) in New Mexico, established by the state legislature, integrates services across multiple agencies to improve mental health and substance abuse support. The collaborative emphasizes recovery, resilience, and efficient fund management. Its responsibilities include overseeing service systems, enhancing access in diverse regions, and prioritizing evidence-based practices. Aiming to create a unified statewide behavioral health system, LC2 promotes prevention, early intervention, and cultural sensitivity.
Large Group Meetings
Health Equity Council – Bernalillo County Health Council, 220 Adams St SE # A, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
Meeting ID: 828 6448 4175 Passcode: 099686
Mini Planning Meetings
4700 San Mateo Ln NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 876 8313 6432 Passcode: 190706
Contact information: lc2.impact@gmail.com
MHRAC
Mental Health Response Advisory Committee (MRAC), Chaired by Rachel Biggs
Monthly on the third Tuesday, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 827 0365 2547
NMBHPA is an association of more than 70 publicly funded New Mexico behavioral healthcare provider individuals and organizations who share a vision of accessible, inclusive, and effective behavioral health service and mental well being for all.
Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and a staff Executive Director, we are dedicated to strengthening the behavioral healthcare system in New Mexico. NMBHPA provides a platform for providers to gather and share information, access education, and advocate for continuous system improvements and positive change.
NMBHPA regularly engages with the New Mexico Human Services Department and the Children Youth and Families Department, and with other state agencies, through standing meetings and issue-specific work groups. We educate NMBHPA members on how to raise issues and participate in problem-solving, and we employ routine processes to bring important behavioral healthcare concerns to the attention of local government. NMBHPA is committed to a service environment that allows providers to protect the community and those in need of mental healthcare. In part, this requires a strong and viable partnership with members of the New Mexico State Legislature and executive agencies charged with oversight of the Behavioral Health System.
The role of the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD), as the Mental Health and Substance Abuse State Authority for New Mexico, is to address need, services, planning, monitoring and continuous quality systemically across the state. The Human Services Department is a member of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative (Collaborative) and BHSD works with the Collaborative to establish policy and implement strategies to manage the behavioral health system.
The Department of Behavioral Health Services provides a variety of direct care programs to reduce the impact of alcoholism, alcohol use, drug dependence, drug use, and mental health conditions within the community. The department continues to identify and develop effective programs designed for evidence-based interventions for mental illness and substance use disorders. BernCo Behavioral Health Services is committed to making the community a safe place to live and work. Individuals from all walks of life participate in a variety of programs and services offered. Services include Care Campus (detox, addiction treatment, and more), DWI Prevention (prevention education, alternative sentencing, DWI enforcement), and Community Programs (mobile crisis teams, referrals).
Find help with City funded resources for addiction, mental health, behavioral health crisis, and counseling needs.
Resources
SHARE New Mexico is the state’s largest community information website, created to support individuals and organizations working to improve the quality of life for New Mexicans. Launched in 2013, the platform provides a comprehensive resource for finding vital local information, with a focus on collaboration for positive change. SHARE offers free public access, while registered users can post content and apply for grants. The site was redesigned in 2017 to enhance user experience and remains a trusted source for up-to-date, reliable information on community programs, events, and resources.
The New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils (NMAHC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for New Mexico’s 43 County and Tribal Health Councils, including the Health Equity Council (Bernalillo County’s Health Council). They are one of our strongest cheerleaders!
The mission of NMAHC is to improve the health of all New Mexicans by supporting and strengthening New Mexico’s Health Councils, advocating for health equity, and providing a strong voice for community and public health. They achieve this through community planning, cross-sector collaboration, public policy work, and sustainable system development.
NMAHC fosters collaboration, values equity and inclusion, practices respect, and cultivates a collective voice on community-based priorities and issues that champion a healthier New Mexico.
There are 8 regional NM DOH Public Health Offices in Bernalillo County. These locations are some of the primary ways in which we support the health of all New Mexicans. Each location has its own hours of operation, and a unique set of services. Services may include…Please note that some locations require an appointment and do not accept walk-ins. Identify a location near you, call to learn more, and schedule an appointment today. You will be so glad that you did!
Advocacy
New Mexico House Bill 137 (HB137)
House Bill 137, passed in 2019, mandates the creation of county and tribal health councils across New Mexico to help improve local health outcomes through community-driven planning. These councils assess local health needs and create strategies to address them. The bill requires the Department of Health to support the councils with training and resources, but currently, the bill remains unfunded, meaning that the councils are not receiving recurring financial backing from the state.
Sign a Letter of Support for reinstating optimal health council funding
Get involved in Statewide County and Tribal Health Council Advocacy
Advocate for your Local County & Tribal Health Council
Follow this space to:
- Find ways to get involved & join NMAHC’s advocacy efforts
- Advocate from anywhere in New Mexico
- Follow this year’s Legislative Sessions
- Learn about the goals and successes of County and Tribal Health Councils
Learn more and become more involved by contacting Valeria Alarcon, NMAHC Executive Director [valeria@nmhealthcouncils.org] or Gerilyn Antonio, NMAHC Tribal Liaison [gerilyn@nmhealthcouncils.org]